COLREGs is a document derived from a treaty called the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in 1960 and was published by IMO (International Maritime Organization) in 1972.
It defines and sets navigational rules to be followed by all vessels on the water to prevent collisions between vessels. It also refers to the specific political line that divides inland waterways and coastal waterways. This reference is important because inland waterways have their own rules and coastal waterways have to abide by international navigation rules.
In Canada, COLREGs is provided by Transport Canada, an organization that regulates all Canadian vessels.
The document covers:
General Information and Deffinitions
Rules of The Road
Lights and Shapes
Sounds and Light Signals
Other Information Covered on This Site:
Navigational Aids
Safety on The Water